my birthday

I just realized I have yet to blog about my big day.
Well, I am 30. Say that again. Out loud this time. I am 30.
I have said it a few times in the last couple of days, but it doesn't seem to get easier. The only positive thing about turning 30 is that I no longer have to stress about turning 30.

Anyway, I had a great birthday. I think by the time the day rolled around, I had gotten over my issue with birthdays in general. I just let go and allowed myself to enjoy the day. I did plan the trip, though, so I didn't give up all control. I knew I wanted to do something special for this birthday and for years, my plan was to go to California and see where I was born. Disneyland was also gonna be part of that trip. But as it got closer, my life got in the way. I knew I still wanted to do something, so I found a trip that would only be a couple hours away. What we ended up doing was taking a train ride on the Grand Canyon Railway. We (me, Chris, my mom and dad) drove up north on Friday. On the way, we stopped at a casino in Camp Verde. We lost lots of money. Chris was doing so well (he was up $80!!) and I made him cash out. It went down from there. Also at one point, I was up $70 and then lost it all. It was really fun, though. Too bad it was real money. We were only there for a couple of hours. We then drove the rest of the way to Williams, which is where the train depot is. We stayed the night at the Railway Hotel on Friday and on Saturday (my actual birthday), we took the train to the Grand Canyon. Since I was just at the canyon two years ago, I was not all the excited to go to the actual canyon. I know that sounds really dumb. It's one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, and I don't really care about it. I have been there many times and I guess I take it for granted. But if you haven't been, totally come on over!!! It is absolutely amazing. But this trip was more about the train ride and less about the destination. The train was really nice. I had started the day with a headache and had it until around lunch time. The rocking of the train did not really help me feel better either. When we finally got to the canyon (it takes 2.25 hours to go 65 miles), we took a bus tour. That really sucked. I do not recommend it. Our tour guide talked so much that we only got to 2 of the 3 places we were supposed to go. Dumb. If that was my first trip to the Grand Canyon, I would have been totally pissed. But it was really beautiful. On the train ride back to Williams, he got free champagne (actually sparkling wine, but who's checking) and cheese and crackers. There was also a faux train robbery. There were many drunk people in our train car and they really got into the robbery. See, we were in the fanciest train car they have. There was a cash full bar, with free soda and water. So on the way back, we drank and so did everyone else. We did not drink nearly as much as the other folks! We stayed at the Railway Hotel on Saturday night also. That night, I was not feeling well either. I either ate something my stomach did not like or the train made me sick to my stomach. I felt crappy for a couple of hours, but by the time it was dinner time and present time, I was ok. I had brought all the gifts that I had gotten in the mail with us and my parents and Chris brought their gifts for me too. So, I got to open my gifts. I got some great stuff. And the cake - that's a story all in itself. I hinted (ok, out right told them to get it!) at the cake that I wanted from Nothing Bundt Cakes. Totally awesome, btw. So, they got me my favorite white chocolate raspberry cake and brought it up with the gifts. My mom had the brilliant idea to get me "magic candles." Have you heard of these? These are basically small sparklers that go out and light back up again. Fun, the first time. After blowing them out over and over, it caused a ton of smoke in the hotel room. I was afraid the smoke alarm would go off and we would get busted in our non-smoking rooms. I kept trying to blow them out and it just was not working. My mom and Chris took the cake, still lit, into the bathroom and took the candles off and put them in the sink full of water. It was hilarious, after it was over. While it was happening, it was crazy. But just imagine the scene and you too will get the hilarity. The next morning, we had breakfast, checked out and came home. We all were ready to leave. I can spend quality time with my family, but after awhile we all get under each others skin. So, it was just long enough of a trip. Despite my head and stomach,I had a great birthday.
Now that my 30's are underway, I have a new found respect for my elders... because I am one! yikes.

edited to add: Totally forgot about the photos. See, I am old.